Erik ten Hag invited iconic former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson into the Red Devils’ dressing room to join in with the celebrations after winning the Carabao Cup.
The Old Trafford outfit ended their near six-year trophy doubt at Wembley on Sunday afternoon - a strike from Casemiro and a Sven Botman own-goal proving to be enough to claim the trophy. It was also a fantastic achievement for Ten Hag with the Dutchman securing his first piece of silverware with the club less than a year after joining the Red Devils.
Amid the post-match celebrations - Ten Hag taking the acclaim of his squad and also dancing with former Ajax stars Lisandro Martinez and Antony - the Dutchman made sure that legendary former manager Ferguson was involved. The pair met in the tunnel shortly after captain Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes had lifted the trophy.
They then shared an embrace and a few words, with the Scot having a beaming smile on his face. Red Devils’ co-owner Avram Glazer was also among those to offer his congratulations after the match.
Ten Hag then decided to double down his celebrations with Sir Alex by inviting him into the Red Devils’ dressing room. Speaking to Sky Sports, the Dutchman said: "He [Sir Alex] was there after the match. He is a happy man tonight."
Sir Alex has spent a lot of time alongside Ten Hag over recent weeks. The duo were spotted enjoying a meal together at Cibo restaurant in Wilmslow on Tuesday - just two days before the Red Devils’ Europa League victory over Spanish giants Barcelona.
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Before United’s Carabao Cup win, Ten Hag opened up on what messages that the Scot had for his former side. Speaking with Sky Sports, he said: "He is by doing [not words].
"I think he left a legacy and that is Manchester United stands for winning and a winning culture. I think he's such a great example for all of us, for humanity, but for all of us around and in Manchester United, he's such a big example and we hope that we can make him proud on Sunday."
Ten Hag will hope to continue making his predecessor proud over the coming weeks as he attempts to make United’s season even more successful. They are set to take on West Ham in fifth round of the FA Cup in midweek, whilst they also tackle fierce rivals Liverpool next weekend at Anfield.
Interestingly, Sir Alex also appeared to have a brief reunion with former boss Avram Glazer amid talk over the club’s takeover status. The pair sat very close to each other at Wembley as United secured their victory over Newcastle.
One man who wasn't there though was prospective new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The INEOS owner instead decided to attend his current side Nice's 3-0 thumping of rivals Monaco at the Stade Louis II.
